Sometimes there is too much stuff

Recently I started going to a warm studio in New Mexico, mostly because it's the only one in town and I'm going to be here for another couple years (and let's be real I can't survive happily without it). I've been noticing the "need" for blocks, blankets and straps. I know that blocks are useful, and help aid when there's an asana you're trying to work into or if you're not flexible enough yet. But I can't help but be a little irritated when a teacher demands everyone in the room needs them (I've seen this in multiple states and studios I'm not picking on the one I went to). It implies to me that we all need assistance and can't listen to our bodies without more stuff.

Now don't get me wrong some inflexibilities will be immediately helped with this aid, but as each body is different so is each practice. I don't really like getting the stink eye in class for not getting more things that will go unused by my mat. I'm here for yoga, not aerobics. I want to connect with myself and not spend 3 minutes listening the proper hand placement on a block, where I can place my blanket and how to adjust a strap. Trust me if I'm not ready I will back off into an alternate posture. It just seems (for me) like an interruption. I'm settling into a sweet conversation with my breath flow, movement, my thoughts are going to useful and peaceful places, and suddenly I have to stop so we can all gather things to place around us. I want to unclutter not gather.

Maybe it's the minimalist in me but I don't think everyone needs blocks and blankets all the time for every pose. For me I know that if my body isn't ready or not feeling super flexible in supposed to back off and go when I'm supposed to. I have my whole life to become a human pretzel and I want to savor every moment ego breaking moment of 'I thought I could do this, welp there's always next time' or 'I hope my face doesn't bruise from my make out sesh with gravity' sans stuff.